Monitoring of vehicle health based on historical information

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for detecting abnormal behaviour in a vehicle ( 8 ) with an engine having engine control module includes providing a database ( 20 ), and a vehicle analyser ( 12 ) having a communication device ( 16 ) and an interface ( 14 ) that links the communication device ( 16 ) to a vehicle ( 8 ). Engine parameters that are retrieved through the interface ( 14 ) during driving experience are uploaded to the database ( 20 ) using the communication device ( 16 ). The database ( 20 ) analyses the engine parameters from multiple driving experiences to establish historical data and determine normal operation of particular retrieved engine parameters based on the historical data. A vehicle ( 8 ) can be diagnosed by comparing its retrieved engine parameters with the database ( 20 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/202,419 filed on May 8, 2000, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the United States, automotive mechanics are not always viewedas being fully trusted and reliable. Practicality indicates thatautomotive mechanics typically are not fraudulent, but ratheroverwhelmed with the complexity of the modern computer-controlledvehicle. With hundreds of parameters dictating a vehicle's performance,it may be difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem regardless ofthe mechanic's skill level. There has also been decay in the number ofhouseholds that perform basic maintenance to their own vehicles. Theprimary reason again relates to the increase in complexity of the modernvehicle.

[0003] The problem with the current approach for diagnosis andmaintenance is that it is performed in a static manner. Typicaldiagnosis of a vehicle's performance is based on a single snap shopimage of the vehicle's characteristics. Presently, adequate use ofvehicle and driving mode specific historical information is not used toassist in this process.

[0004] Present diagnostic tools that interface to the vehicle computerwill show various sensor data and information. However, aside fromactual fault codes from the vehicle, these tools do not containtolerances for each and every vehicle type and driving conditions forthe vast available parameters. As a result, the mechanic must determinefrom hundreds of available parameters the potential cause of theproblem. This requires extensive expertise and references to technicalmanuals on sensor input and output status for that vehicle type.Ultimately, vehicle maintenance and diagnosis can be complicated andcostly, considering the current tools that are available.

[0005] Onboard Diagnostics, or OBD, was developed primarily formonitoring the vehicle's emissions control systems by the Engine ControlModule (ECM), which will typically display a general warning to theoperator when a fault is detected. It also provides a means by which amechanic or vehicle inspector can access specific fault codes related toengine hardware that can affect emissions and engine performance. TheOBD system is accessible via a standardized communications cable and amicroprocessor-based device, often referred to as a scan tool, thatimplements a standardized communications protocol. Data from onboardsensors can be accessed at a rate of up to 50 Hz.

[0006] Prior art includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,638 to Keeler et al. and5,625,750 to Puskorius et al. that claim the use of artificialintelligence computer systems that can be trained to predict failure ofthe catalytic converter and to predict certain emissions levels. Bothstandard OBD sensors and additional sensors are used to generate inputsinto these learning algorithms. Prior systems do not attempt toestablish parameters during different driving and vehicle conditions.Instead, generic broad parameters are established covering multiplevehicles and driving conditions. Prior systems also use severalparameters in conjunction to predict a certain condition, such as highhydrocarbon emissions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The federal government has mandated that all vehicles sold in theUnited States shall have a standardized interface to the vehicle'scomputer. The present invention provides a vehicle analyzer that can beembodied as a microprocessor-based hardware/software package designed tocommunicate with OBD (onboard diagnostics) computer systems contained in1996 and later vehicles sold in the United States. The present inventionprovides a product that is useful for both the consumer and theprofessional.

[0008] A method of detecting abnormal engine behavior in a vehicle,according to an aspect of the invention, includes providing a database,a communication device and an interface to an engine control module andretrieving engine parameters through the interface during a drivingexperience and uploading the engine parameters to the database using thecommunication device. The method further includes analyzing the uploadedengine parameters from multiple driving experiences at the database toestablish historical data and determining normal operation of particularretrieved engine parameters based on the historical data. The methodfurther includes comparing engine parameters of a vehicle to bediagnosed with the normal operation of particular retrieved engineparameters to determine whether the vehicle to be diagnosed operatesoutside of the normal operation.

[0009] A method of detecting abnormal engine behavior in a vehicle,according to another aspect of the invention, includes providing adatabase and multiple vehicle analyzers, each of the vehicle analyzersincluding a communication device and an interface with an engine controlmodule. The method further includes retrieving engine parameters formultiple vehicles that are generally the same type as each other usingthe multiple vehicle analyzers and uploading the retrieved engineparameters to the database. The method further includes analyzing theuploaded engine parameters from the multiple vehicles to establishhistorical data and determining normal operation of particular retrievedengine parameters based on the historical data. The method furtherincludes preparing engine parameters of a vehicle generally of the sametype with the normal operation of particular retrieved engine parametersto determine whether the vehicle operates outside the normal operation.

[0010] In either of the above-identified methods, the analyzing mayinclude retrieving engine parameters over multiple driving experiences,storing the data over multiple driving experiences into the database andestablishing statistical control limits for the particular engineparameters. This may further include establishing statistical controllimits for particular engine parameters during various drivingconditions which may include idle, steady cruise at various speeds, andvarious rates of acceleration and deceleration. The particular engineparameters may include critical engine parameters. The historical datamay be based on engine parameters retrieved previously from the vehicleto be diagnosed.

[0011] In either of the above-identified methods, the uploading mayinclude communicating over either an Internet or an Intranet. Thecommunication may be via wireless communication. The uploading mayinclude communicating over a global network and may further includeproviding a wireless communication device that is adapted to connectwith the database over the global network. The communication device mayinclude browser software and the interface may include an onboarddiagnostic interface.

[0012] A system for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior,according to an aspect of the invention, includes a vehicle analyzerhaving a communication device and an interface that links the wirelesscommunication device to a vehicle. The system further includes adatabase system that is separate from the vehicle analyzer. The wirelesscommunication device collects data from the vehicle through theinterface scan tool while the vehicle is driven. The database system isprogrammed to receive data broadcast by the wireless communicationdevice from the scan tool. The database includes normal operation ofparticular engine parameters based on historical data. The databasesystem compares the collected data to the normal operation of particularengine parameters to determine normal conditions of the vehicle.

[0013] A system for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior,according to another aspect of the invention, includes a database and aplurality of vehicle analyzers, each including a communication deviceand an interface that links the communication device to a vehicle. Thecommunication device is adapted to upload to the database engineparameters retrieved by the interface. The database is adapted toanalyze the retrieved engine parameters uploaded from a plurality ofvehicle analyzers to establish historical data among vehicles that aregenerally of the same type and to determine normal operation ofparticular retrieved engine parameters based on historical data. Thedatabase is further adapted to compare engine parameters of a vehiclegenerally of the same type with the normal operation of particularretrieved engine parameters to determine whether that vehicle operatesoutside of the normal operation.

[0014] Either of the above-identified systems may further includedetermining the normal operation of particular engine parameters fromdata retrieved from multiple previous driving experiences. Thecommunication device may include a wireless communication device, suchas a cellular telephone or a personal digital assistant. The wirelesscommunication device may include a radio frequency transmitter. Thevehicle analyzer may include a data port for uploading data to acomputer for subsequent uploading to the database at a later time. Thecommunication device may be adapted to operate on a global network, suchas an Internet or an Intranet, and may further include browser software.The database system may establish statistical control limits forparticular engine parameters during various driving conditions which mayinclude idle, steady cruise at various speeds, and various rates ofacceleration and deceleration. The particular engine parameters mayinclude critical engine parameters.

[0015] The present invention utilizes a technique to characterize normallimits for individual engine parameters and provides a means by which todetect when said parameters begin to operate outside normal levels forcertain operating conditions. While the ECM contains limits on someengine parameters, these are typically gross limits that apply to alloperating conditions, and vehicle age or mileage combined. The presentinvention provides a much narrower tolerance of what is considerednormal operation of engine parameters to facilitate diagnosis of actualand imminent engine failure. This invention, therefore, provides a meansof early detection of failure of specific components.

[0016] A vehicle analyzer, according to more detailed aspects of theinvention, obtains information from the vehicle's computer to trackcritical engine parameters and reports any problems or potentialproblems to the user. The vehicle analyzers pass information from alarge number of vehicles to a database that uses statistical modeling to“learn” typical performance of these critical engine parameters undervarious driving conditions, including idle, steady cruise,accelerations, and decelerations. Once a sufficient statistical databaseis established, the vehicle analyzer in conjunction with the databasecan diagnose a vehicle under driving conditions. The operatingcondition, including any abnormal behavior that could indicate oreventually lead to a failure of one or more engine components, can bedetermined with the use of either historical or reference information.The vehicle analyzer will also translate any specific fault codes storedin the onboard computer system to useable information for the user inorder to diagnose and repair the vehicle.

[0017] The vehicle analyzer and database, according to an aspect of theinvention, is a system that implements a method of tracking andmonitoring a vehicle's health based on historical statisticalinformation, rather than only instantaneously accessing the vastdiagnostic information available on vehicles. As a result, vehiclemaintenance and diagnosis can be simplified such that the consumer has atool that permits him or her to know when something has failed or isabout to fail by comparing an individual vehicle's diagnosticinformation with the comparable data of the same vehicle fleet. It alsoassists the mechanic in repairing the vehicle back to the fault-freecondition. The historical parameters also serve as a reference for theeffectiveness of the repair on a broad range of parameters. The vehicleanalyzer is able to gather significant data and establish tighteracceptable operating parameters based on the vehicle's history thatallows early detection of problems.

[0018] In addition, the vehicle analyzer can be used to assess thehealth of a vehicle before it is purchased. In this case, the vehicleanalyzer system is used in conjunction with the database that containsdata on other vehicles of the same type. This can provide a moreobjective analysis by the consumer prior to the purchase of a modernvehicle.

[0019] The primary advantages of this system include its low cost andearly detection of problems resulting from tight tolerances. It alsoprovides simplification of diagnosis. The invention may be used forrepair verification and objective purchase analysis.

[0020] These and other objects, advantages and features of thisinvention will become apparent upon review of the followingspecification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for detecting abnormalengine behavior, according to the invention; and

[0022]FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of detecting abnormal enginebehavior, according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] Referring now specifically to the drawings, and the illustrativeembodiments depicted therein, a system 10 for detecting abnormal enginebehavior of a vehicle 8 based on historical information is providedincluding a vehicle analyzer, such as an OBD scan tool hardware device12 having a connector, or data port, 14 to link to a wireless Internetready communication device, such as a cellular telephone 16, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), or the like. Wireless Internet ready phone 16includes an Internet browser to connect, via a wireless data link 22, toa global network, such as the Internet or an Intranet 18. A masterdatabase 20 and application software are run on a computer 22 connectedwith Internet or Intranet 18.

[0024] In operation, system 10 is linked to vehicle 8 to collect data.Vehicle analyzer 12 interfaces with the Engine Control Module (ECM) on avehicle via standardized communications protocol, connector and hardwarethat is adapted to link to the data port of wireless Internet readyphones 16. Application software allows for communication between thewireless Internet ready phone 16 and the vehicle onboard computer.

[0025] A method 34 of detecting abnormal engine behavior of vehicle 8begins at 26 by initiating data link 22 when performing a diagnosis orto generate or maintain the personal vehicle data on a predeterminedfrequency. The operator will be instructed to perform regular dataacquisitions at a certain time interval, so parameters can be monitoredwith statistical tools. While the user drives the vehicle in a normalfashion (28), the vehicle analyzer will collect, process, and transmitdata (30) on critical engine components to the master database. Theengine parameters that will be tracked may include, but are not limitedto, exhaust gas oxygen (both upstream and downstream of the catalyticconverter), mass airflow, engine coolant temperature, engine rpm, andoperating controls, such as degree of spark advance and degree ofexhaust gas recirculation. This data will be sampled during variousdriving conditions and processed in such a way as to establish adatabase for certain operating conditions. These conditions includeidle, cruise at various speeds, and various rates of acceleration anddeceleration.

[0026] System 10 analyzes the data at 32. The vehicle analyzer will useStatistical Process Control (SPC) tools and trend-modeling analysis toanalyze data-based vehicle history. When the master database ofinformation at this condition is sufficiently large, upper and lowercontrol limits are established based on statistical analysis of themaster database. This establishes normal operation of particularretrieved engine parameters. This may include the mean and standarddeviation of the database.

[0027] The application software at the master database compares theretrieved engine parameter (34) and determines if there are any trendsin this data or if data is outside statistical limits. This wouldsuggest a change in the operation of the engine, which may be an earlydetection of some component failure. If a problem is detected (36), themaster database notifies (40) the operator and suggests how to furtherdiagnose the problem, such as by sending a message, voice or data, tothe wireless Internet ready phone. This message can also be sent byE-mail, facsimile, or mail. The same process can be performed on othercritical engine parameters and other operating conditions. If no problemis detected (38), the retrieved data can be used to further update thedatabase of engine parameters.

[0028] System 10 may also analyze vehicle data based on data fromvehicles of the same type and condition as the vehicle being analyzed.The vehicle analyzer may further have the ability to connect to a globalnetwork, such as the Internet or Intranet, to exchange data andinformation for the purpose of vehicle maintenance, diagnosis orpurchase. In particular, the vehicle analyzer has the capability toconnect to the Internet or an Intranet to upload vehicle data to theInternet/Intranet server system. Upon connection to the server system,the vehicle analyzer transmits all local vehicle data and information.At this time, the vehicle analyzer can request data on vehicles of thesame type. Each connection increases the master database information.Data port 14 may also be connected with a computer 19 for uploading dataretrieved by vehicle analyzer 12 at a later time. Computer 19 may alsoreceive notifications (36) from database 20.

[0029] The master database may use variance analysis algorithms toperform analyses based on data from other vehicles of the same type.Data on the same vehicle type acquired from the database system may beused to compare to the consumer collected vehicle data. This will allowfor a consumer to compare the sensor outputs from a properly operatingvehicle to a vehicle being purchased. It also may be used to determinethe source of the problem when performing vehicle diagnosis. Detailedcomparisons and analyses are performed at the master database. Theresults can be sent and made available to the consumer in many differentways, such as wireless messaging, facsimile, E-Mail, web site, etc.

EXAMPLE

[0030] An example of the invention used to evaluate the vehicle's oxygen(O₂) sensor follows. Data collected on that vehicle, whether continuousor discrete, is modeled in the same manner as the O₂ sensor describedbelow to achieve the most effective early detection and diagnosis. Datais gathered from the vehicle using vehicle analyzer 12 based on anInternet ready wireless device, such as an Internet ready cellular phone16. Data is sent to the main database 20. The application software atthe main database analyzes O₂ data. Driving conditions, such as thevehicle is warm/cold or accelerating/decelerating/cruising/idling, aredetermined for sets of data collected by looking at vehicle speed,engine coolant temperature, engine rpm, calculated vehicle load and muchmore. Data within a driving event may have different conditions fromstart to end, since a cold car will warm up over time. Vehicle conditioncan be affected by factors such as age, faulty condition, etc. For agiven vehicle and given driving conditions, the vehicle analyzerevaluates O₂ parameters such as:

[0031] i. Time between transitions

[0032] ii. Min sensor voltage

[0033] iii. Lean to rich switch time

[0034] iv. Rich to lean switch time

[0035] v. Lean to rich threshold

[0036] vi. Rich to lean threshold

[0037] vii. High sensor voltage and low sensor voltage

[0038] Acceptable and actual decay rate of a sensor are modeled toachieve the tightest tolerances established utilizing SPC modelingtools. Since data of the same type, based on same vehicle and drivingcondition, is available in the master database, the resultant data-setwill have a normal distribution allowing hypotheses testing forsignificant difference by utilizing analysis of variance design andanalysis.

[0039] Changes and modifications in the specifically describedembodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles ofthe invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of theappended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patentlaw including the doctrine of equivalents.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A method of detectingabnormal behavior in a vehicle having an engine with an engine controlmodule, said method comprising: providing a database, a communicationdevice, and an interface to an engine control module; retrieving engineparameters through said interface during a driving experience anduploading the retrieved engine parameter to said database using saidcommunication device; analyzing the uploaded engine parameters frommultiple driving experiences at said database to establish historicaldata and determining normal operation of particular retrieved engineparameters based on the historical data; and comparing engine parametersof a vehicle to be diagnosed with said normal operation of particularretrieved engine parameters to determine whether the vehicle to bediagnosed operates outside of the normal operation.
 2. The method ofdetecting abnormal engine behavior of claim 1 wherein said analyzingincludes retrieving engine parameters over multiple driving experiences,storing the data over multiple driving experiences into a database, andestablishing statistical control limits for the particular engineparameters.
 3. The method of detecting abnormal behavior of claim 2including establishing statistical control limits for particular engineparameters during various driving conditions.
 4. The method of detectingabnormal behavior of claim 3 wherein the various driving conditionsinclude idle, steady cruise at various speeds, and various rates ofacceleration and deceleration.
 5. The method of detecting abnormalbehavior in claim 1 wherein said particular engine parameters comprisecritical engine parameters.
 6. The method of detecting abnormal behaviorin claim 1 wherein said historical data is based on engine parametersretrieved prior to said comparing from the vehicle to be diagnosed. 7.The method of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 1 wherein saiduploading includes communicating over one of an Internet and anIntranet.
 8. The method of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 1wherein said uploading includes communicating via wirelesscommunication.
 9. The method of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 8wherein said uploading includes communicating over a global network. 10.The method of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 9 wherein saiduploading includes providing a wireless communication device that isadapted to connect with said database over said global network.
 11. Themethod of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 10 wherein saidcommunication device includes browser software.
 12. The method ofdetecting abnormal behavior in claim 1 wherein said interface includesan onboard diagnostic interface.
 13. A method of detecting abnormalbehavior in a vehicle having an engine with an engine control module,said method comprising: providing a database and multiple vehicleanalyzers, each of said vehicle analyzers including a communicationdevice and an interface with an engine control module; retrieving engineparameters from multiple vehicles that are generally the same type aseach other using said multiple vehicle analyzers and uploading theretrieved engine parameters to said database; analyzing the uploadedengine parameters from the multiple vehicles to establish historicaldata and determining normal operation of particular retrieved engineparameters based on the historical data; and comparing engine parametersof a vehicle generally of said same type with said normal operation ofparticular retrieved engine parameters to determine whether that vehicleoperates outside of the normal operation.
 14. The method of detectingabnormal behavior of claim 13 including retrieving engine parametersfrom multiple driving experiences from said multiple vehicles.
 15. Themethod of detecting abnormal behavior of claim 14 wherein said vehicleanalyzer includes an interface to an engine control module and awireless communication module.
 16. The method of detecting abnormalbehavior of claim 15 wherein said uploading includes communicating overa global network.
 17. The method of detecting abnormal behavior in claim16 wherein said uploading includes providing a wireless communicationdevice that is adapted to connect with said database over said globalnetwork.
 18. The method of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 17wherein said communication device includes browser software.
 19. Themethod of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 13 wherein said analyzingincludes retrieving engine parameters over multiple driving experiences,storing the data over multiple driving experiences into a database, andestablishing statistical control limits for the particular engineparameters.
 20. The method of detecting abnormal behavior of claim 19including establishing statistical control limits for particular engineparameters during various driving conditions.
 21. The method ofdetecting abnormal behavior of claim 20 wherein the various drivingconditions include idle, steady cruise at various speeds, and variousrates of acceleration and deceleration.
 22. The method of detectingabnormal behavior in claim 13 wherein said particular engine parameterscomprise critical engine parameters.
 23. A system for detecting abnormalvehicle engine behavior of a vehicle having an engine with an enginecontrol module, comprising: a vehicle analyzer comprising acommunication device and an interface scan tool that links saidcommunication device to a vehicle engine control module; a databasesystem separate from said vehicle analyzer, said database system beingprogrammed to receive data uploaded by said communication device, saiddatabase determines normal operation of particular engine parametersbased on historical data; wherein said vehicle analyzer retrieves datafrom the vehicle while the vehicle is driven to retrieve engineparameters and uploads the retrieved engine parameters to said database;said database system compares the collected data to said normaloperation of particular engine parameters to determine abnormalconditions of the vehicle.
 24. The system for detecting abnormal vehicleengine behavior of claim 23 wherein said database determines normaloperation of particular engine parameters from data retrieved from thevehicle being diagnosed over multiple previous driving experiences. 25.The system for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 23wherein said communication device comprises a wireless communicationdevice.
 26. The system for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior ofclaim 25 wherein said wireless communication device comprises one of acellular telephone and a personal digital assistant.
 27. The system fordetecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 25 wherein saidwireless communication device comprises a radio frequency transmitter.28. The system for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim23 wherein said vehicle analyzer includes a data port for uploading datato a computer for subsequent uploading to said database.
 29. The systemfor detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 23 wherein saidcommunication device is adapted to operate on a global network.
 30. Thesystem for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 29wherein said communication device includes browser software.
 31. Thesystem for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 23wherein said database system establishes statistical control limits forparticular engine parameters during various driving conditions.
 32. Thesystem for detecting abnormal behavior of claim 31 wherein the variousdriving conditions include idle, steady cruise at various speeds, andvarious rates of acceleration and deceleration.
 33. The system fordetecting abnormal behavior in claim 23 wherein said particular engineparameters comprise critical engine parameters.
 34. A system fordetecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of a vehicle having an enginewith an engine control module, comprising: a database and a plurality ofvehicle analyzers, each including a communication device and aninterface that links that communication device to a vehicle, whereinsaid communication device is adapted to upload to said database engineparameters retrieved by said interface; and said database is adapted toanalyze the retrieved engine parameters uploaded from said plurality ofvehicle analyzers to establish historical data among vehicles that aregenerally of the same type and to determine normal operation ofparticular retrieved engine parameters based on historical data; whereinsaid database is further adapted to compare engine parameters of avehicle generally of said same type with said normal operation ofparticular retrieved engine parameters to determine whether that vehicleoperates outside of the normal operation.
 35. The system for detectingabnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 34 wherein said communicationdevice comprises a wireless communication device.
 36. The system fordetecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 35 wherein saidwireless communication device comprises one of a cellular telephone anda personal digital assistant.
 37. The system for detecting abnormalvehicle engine behavior of claim 35 wherein said wireless communicationdevice comprises a radio frequency transmitter.
 38. The system fordetecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 34 wherein saidvehicle analyzer includes a data port for uploading data to a computerfor subsequent uploading to said database.
 39. The system for detectingabnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 34 wherein said communicationdevice is adapted to operate on a global network.
 40. The system fordetecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 39 wherein saidcommunication device includes browser software.
 41. The system fordetecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 34 wherein saiddatabase system establishes statistical control limits for particularengine parameters during various driving conditions.
 42. The system fordetecting abnormal behavior of claim 41 wherein the various drivingconditions include idle, steady cruise at various speeds, and variousrates of acceleration and deceleration.
 43. The system for detectingabnormal behavior in claim 34 wherein said particular engine parameterscomprise critical engine parameters.